Names That Mean Protection

Classic Wilhelmina is still the dominant form of this name, but the more intuitive, streamlined Willamina is rising alongside it. The phonetic spelling eliminates some of Wilhelmina's bulk, taking it from geek-chic to modern feminissima.

This spiritual word name is rising for girls and boys.

Though slightly haughtier and less accessible than cousin Edmond, Esmond could appeal to some parents seeing a distinguished appellation. It began being used (albeit sparingly) in England in the nineteenth century, possibly influenced by William Makepeace Thackeray's novel The History of Henry Esmond.

This form of Liam ranks in Puerto Rico's Top 100, and is also popular with French-speaking parents in Europe and Canada.

Lighter Latin version of Anselm.

Pim is traditionally a male nickname in the Netherlands, but its relative obscurity in the US would allow you to get away with using it for a daughter. This name has never been recorded in the US - for boys or girls. But it's style match with other slim, boyish nicknames for girls like Lou and Scout means Pim may not stay off the grid for much longer.

An ancient saint's name belonging to an 8th century English missionary. Variants include Walpurga and Walpurgis.

It's tempting to think of Gui as the Spanish form of Guy, but it's short for Guillermo.

Wylie is one Celtic surname with as much appeal for girls as for boys. Wylie is ripe for spelling variations: Wiley is as appropriate as Wylie but when you spell it Wylei, as Corey Parker did for his son, you're getting into yooneek naming territory.

A Puritanical virtue name and also a place name, belonging to the state capital of Rhode Island and several other towns and cities in the US.

Hungarian diminutive of Sigmund

A great choice for a native Swedish speaker, but not as user-friendly as some of the other international short forms of William — Pim (Dutch), Gwil (Welsh), and of course, Liam (Irish).

Once too tightly tied to the aging musical clan featuring Donny and Marie, Osmond may now be able to escape that association and join the cooler group of Os and Oz names, which include Osgood, Ozias, and even Oswald.

Maori form of William

A beautiful A-heavy choice with international appeal.

Short form of Bronisława, usually spelt Bronia in Poland.

Variant of Eamonn, itself a form of Edmund

Ramund is a sleeker variant or close relative of Raymond, borne by the eponymous hero of a Danish folk song dating back to the Middle Ages.

Alternate form of Ville, also seen as a surname.

If you want to go waaaaay beyond William, consider this Welsh form, which can also be spelled Gwilym, Gwilim, or Gwillym.